2013 is a year of many events. The worst, the best, the most tragic, the most inspiring, the most heroic, the saddest, the most joyful and triumphant of spirit. It is a year of giving and caring, of people uniting in moments of misery and devastation. It is a year of hope and hanging on to faith. To believe once more in everyday miracles and the capacity for human goodness.

Joy In Giving Campaign For 2014

On her 45th Birthday, a friend made a wish. Her wish was to bring joy, comfort and sense of dignity for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. She created a community in ShelterBox called “Bangon Pilipinas” which translates to “Rise Philippines,” with a goal to raise $10,000. So far, with the help of generous family, friends and kind-hearted strangers, she raised $8,000 that became a gift of hope and…

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We are pleased to announce that the Chicago Bulls has sponsored a night to support relief efforts with the Illinois Philippine Recovery Operations!

In partnership with the Filipino American Network and the Philippine American Cultural Foundation, we are excited to invite you to Filipino Night with the Bulls!

You have an opportunity to watch a Bulls v. Clippershome game on 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24, at the United Center at a discount! Tickets regularly priced at $65 (300 Level, rows 8-17) are available for only $45. A portion of the proceeds will benefit ILPRO’s Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts.

Tickets are limited so be sure to act fast! To purchase, click here. Your special offer code is Bulls.

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It continues to be such an honor to have been part of Team Rubicon’s “Operation Seabird” in the Philippines last November. Not only did I get to play a role in critical care for people in need alongside some of the finest professionals I’ve ever encountered–the work we did has led to an incredibly warm relationship with Filipinos and Filipino-Americans who have so warmly expressed their thanks to us for helping.

As part of this ongoing relationship, the Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, D.C., invited some of us to a Talakayan sa Pasuguan Townhall Meeting last Thursday, a program recognizing the contributions of American organizations that were on the ground quickly after Super Typhoon Haiyan / Yolanda struck: the U.S. Marine Corps, Mammoth Medical Missions, and Team Rubicon. My team member Lourdes Tiglao gave an excellent talk on the work of Team Rubicon in those first days, and…

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The Buhay Makulay Children’s Fair has made it from public hospital to government shelter in Metro Manila in the seven years since we started it. We step out tomorrow and bring the fair to the mountain area of Lawaan in Capiz, a region affected by typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. Hosted at local school run by nuns, our head count has jumped quickly from 100 kids, to 115, to the latest count at 122.

Today we visited the site, not knowing what to expect. We met the sweet nuns and witnessed the school marching band at practice in the schoolyard. When we were led up to the hall on the third floor, we were quickly convinced that it would be the best place for the fair. There’s enough space to accommodate and manage a large crowd of kids; while the large windows and great view also give a wonderful sense of openness. It…

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Lifeline’s Betty Romero, Raf Jamolangue and Judy Jamolangue met with Dingdong Dantes and Kayjay Laysa of Yes!Pinoy yesterday. A Marine reservist, Mr Dantes has been sponsoring scholarships for the children of Philippine soldiers since 2009, and the thrust of his foundation is education. In response to the great need after Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) Mr Danted held a fundraising activity to rebuild the Estancia Central Elementary School in Iloilo. Lifeline Foundation is partnering with Yes!Pinoy in raising funds to equip the new school building with 3000 chairs, in time for the opening of classes in June 2014, as education is one of our core advocacies as well.

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Warsaw, Poland: At the United Nations climate talks this passing November, the world saw a hero stand up. Naderev Yeb Saño, the Philippine delegate, declared that he would fast until “a meaningful outcome is in sight.”

As the day our fundraiser nears, we can only hope to follow in his example. As he stood for the lives lost by typhoon Yolanda, we work to stand with him and raise money to continue to provide relief for our community.

With tropical depression Agaton making its way across the Philippines, we have to continue to stand strong with the Filipino community with the mission of relief. Relief is more than the check that we are sending; we are making a family across the Pacific. We are providing for the orphans of Yolanda; we are rebuilding homes; we are standing…

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STORIES OF HEROISM

It was November 8, 2013. The day when the Filipinos’ courage and strength were put to test. A super typhoon named Haiyan (locally known as “Yolanda”) struck Central Visayas creating a 25-foot tidal wave. In one clean swoop, Yolanda obliterated the coastal areas where it made landfall on Friday, November 8. More than 11 million people were displaced or rendered homeless. Tacloban City, the capital of the province of Leyte was hit the hardest.

Indeed, Yolanda had come to be known as the strongest typhoon in recorded history. It was 3.5 times worse than Hurricane Katrina, which had devastated New Orleans in August 2005 and claimed the lives of more than 1,800 Americans. By comparison, Philippine government figures show that Yolanda left in her wake more than 6,300 people dead.

This blog is not about the typhoon and the devastation of the areas affected, but about the PEOPLE who came in rescue, and those who inspired others to help one another. This blog is about the modern-day HEROES created by Typhoon Yolanda.

Come join me in telling the stories of heroism, and inspiration.

DISCLAIMER

Posts and photographs are reposts from various sites. Sources are acknowledged as much as possible. Any objections about the posts can be forwarded to heroesofyolanda@yahoo.com, or by writing a comment in one of the posts. The post in question will be removed on request.

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